Bridge Replacement Near Gooding Begins Jan. 2

The location of the bridges is the South Gooding Main Canal on U.S. Highway 26, between 1500 East Road (2 miles west of Gooding) and 1850 East Road.

Construction will begin at milepost 146.43 and end after milepost 149.53, according to the Idaho Transportation Department. The department says it has plans in place to get the job done with minimal impact to travelers.

"We really want to make this as easy as possible for everyone using the roadway," said Bryan Young, a transportation department resident engineer. "We are applying all of our best practices to get this project done on time while still maintaining mobility on U.S. 26."

The four bridges are more than 50 years old.

ITD says the project will improve existing bridge structures and provide increased canal capacity. Roadways will be resurfaced and guardrail will be removed on all four structures. The project also includes culvert replacement, and so construction will take place during winter to avoid impacting the irrigation season.